OK so I see planning starting for the PA Gunks gathering and while summer is just underway, why not plan for the fall? So my question is aimed firstly at the Conley family then at previous Rumney attendees.

Jules, will Pa be looking to fill the cottage with dirty smelly hungry climbers for the Cdn Thanksgiving/US Columbus Day weekend? The dates would be 8th to 10th October. If so you'd better bloody be there..... K?

Oh and Jules, I already did the hard part, came up with a different way to number it - get it...... RU-4 it :roll:

For anyone that usually flies in, consider that the weekend after is the PA gunks gathering. Not too shabby for a weeks vacation idea.

If the Sra is back in time, I think we might finally be able to make it back to Pa's place. Hope you are still doing good Darkside....

-DD-

DD - or should I call you Mr Moose :twisted: what a pleasant surprise. After your world tripping I'm glad to have some contact with you again. I certainly hope this year works out and we get to meet up again. Remember that wet afternoon many moons ago when a few of us headed off to the bar......... and we ALL laughed. How terribly delightful to hear Sra's uncontrollable laughter. It would be nice to have a few long distance birds fly in again but there were some good folks at the table with us that day eh?

We've been keeping up in your absence and I'm sure I can cook up a little bacon or veggie eggs and stove toast for you both, erm and the other 20 or 30 hungry souls that seem to turn up each year.

Needless to say that I'm doing well enough and I look forward to seeing your ugly mug again if you can make it.

Sorry guys. I probably won't be able to make it home for the weekend (money and bad timing-- right in the middle of midterms.) My dad's presence in the state that weekend is dependent on mine, so if I'm not there, he's not.

If anything changes last minute, festivities could be moved to our place, but for now I've got to say no. :(

I may just have a camping area up my sleeve that will be more then enough room for everyone. No lake, but a lot of room, music, bon-fire (if allowed), about 15 minutes from Rumney and about 10 minutes to the store. It's a couple of fields (1 mowed - 1 not) on a 30 acre lot on Canaan/Dorchester line. I need to ask if I can use it again. Shouldn't be a problem ...

The owners have given me permission to use their "back yard" and understand how a bunch of low-down dirtbaggin climbas act and have no issue with it at all. Yup, there can be laughter into the night, bone fire roaring in the twilight and music keeping the beat for those who can't resist the urge to shake it up a bit! This can be fun ...

Before I get too far into the process, I need to know if this is what we want. Are we tough enough to stand the morning chill of camping in October? Does it matter if the only way to become clean is in the chilly waters of a nearby lake? As far as cooking goes, I can get a couple of large 55 gallon setups for those who fancy a big meal. Oh yea ... port-a-potties!

Post up so I can get an idea if this is how we are going to do this or not.

Any suggestion to make this a memoriable experience are welcome. FYI ... the owners are excited to have you all, so pass the word to other climbers.

hj

My preference on these types is KISS. The Conleys have always been incredibly generous with food etc but I think the best bet is the "Here's the spot, fend for yourself" mentality. Then if group meals or feasts materialize it's a bonus.

You know your friends, what gift or donation would be appropriate for their hospitality? $10-$20 a person?

And definitely porta pottiy (ies).

Oh, while you're mowing... My tent is big. 8x8 or so. so clear me a good spot. :wink:

My preference on these types is KISS. The Conleys have always been incredibly generous with food etc but I think the best bet is the "Here's the spot, fend for yourself" mentality. Then if group meals or feasts materialize it's a bonus.

This reminds me - I'm going to have to start cooking dinner with my camping gear/dragonfly, so I can get proficient in preparing feasts. - d.

As far as cooking goes, I can get 2 55 gallon drum grills. You can bring your own cooking gear if you want, but there will be enough room for a feast to be cooked. I didn't consider the Conley's feasts that they were famous for ... any ideas on that?

Never thought of donations either. Guess you can donate when you get there, if you want.

I'll crop my pictures of the area so they can be posted for this event. This way, everyone can get an idea of the layout.

Since my son does music, I'm sure I can get him to DJ for Saturday night. Bring your cd's and the rest is taken care of.

As far as renaming this post ... never done it and not sure I could if I wanted to. We could follow that historical way and call it Rumney Gathering IV? Thoughts?